The State Government will donate $10,000 to the Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue to assist them to continue their outstanding wildlife work.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said of the Sunshine Coast organisation deserved support for its great efforts in helping sick and injured pelicans and seabirds.
“I was very impressed when I saw Bridgette and Paula Powers on Australian Story,” the Premier said.
“Their dedication and passion as wildlife conservationists is truly admirable, and their track record of voluntary work over so many years deserves our backing.”
For more than 20 years, Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue has been caring for birds that have been injured by propellers, caught in fishing lines, or injured or sick for other reasons.
“The twins’ appearance on Australian Story served to shine a new light on their long-running work,” the Premier said.
“Our $10,000 contribution will hopefully inspire others to also support them and their mum Helen to help meet their running costs.”
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said in every community, there are people who go the extra mile for those who need help.
“For Helen and the Twinnies, it’s our beautiful coastal birdlife which benefits from their tireless work and gigantic hearts,” Mr Hunt said.
“I’m genuinely delighted to be able to show our Premier the amazing work that they do on behalf of our wildlife.
“And I’m even more pleased to be able to assist them in some way in their ceaseless efforts to nurse sick and injured birds back to health.”
The Premier said not-for-profit wildlife rehabilitation groups and privately funded wildlife hospitals play a major role in the rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of protected animals every year.
“My Government is proudly committed to supporting this important work,” she said.
“We’ve allocated another $6 million over four years to bolster the South East Queensland Wildlife Hospital Network.
“The network includes the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital.
“We have also taken strong action on plastic waste, and the harmful impact it has on our wildlife, including sea birds.
“Since September, single-use plastic items have been banned in Queensland, with consideration now being given to expanding the ban.
“That followed our ban of lightweight single-use plastic bags in July 2018, and the Container Refund Scheme which has seen nearly 3 billion containers returned for refunds since 2018.”
